Microsoft Launches Arrow Launcher for Android

As a part of its new strategy of welcoming cross-platform development, Microsoft has launched Arrow, an Android launcher application on the Google Play Store today. An unfinished version of the launcher was made available to developers earlier this year but, now the finished version has been unveiled and is available to all users.

The Arrow launcher offers allows the Android users to customise the way they use their smartphone and makes it easier to access frequent apps, message friends, take notes, or change settings.

The launcher is not a direct clone of the iOS interface however, it does have a bit of an iOS 9 feel to it.

Arrow’s ‘Recent’ screen offers an ability to access apps, files, photos, or contacts required quickly similar to that of Apple’s Siri Suggestions. Also, the launcher organises the App based on the frequency of their usage. Similar to iOS, Arrow offers a feature to customise a dock that can be swiped up from the bottom of the screen to access your favourite apps or commonly used settings.

Like other Android launchers, this launcher can be used to rearrange pages of your screen.

If Arrow establishes a good grip amongst the Android users, Microsoft could take advantage of the app to push or recommend its own apps and services like Office, OneDrive, Outlook, Bing and more to end users.